Broward Health is expanding cardiac services across the system, adding new technology, procedures and specialists to increase access to advanced heart care, reflecting its commitment to caring for your heart with all of ours.
This February, American Heart Month serves as a reminder to schedule regular cardiac screenings, such as an EKG, and to manage controllable risk factors, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking.
To meet the growing needs of the community, Broward Health Coral Springs has expanded its cardiac program and now offers left-sided ablations to treat AFib. Cardiac ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses energy to create small scars in the heart, helping block abnormal electrical signals and restore a normal heart rhythm.
“This accomplishment marks the beginning of a new chapter of offering comprehensive and cutting-edge cardiac care and electrophysiology,” said Jose L. Baez-Escudero, M.D., Chief of Cardiology and Electrophysiology, Broward Health Physician Group. “We’re expanding access to advanced cardiac and electrophysiology care close to home.”
Listen to Your Body, Early Detection is Important
Last year, Coral Springs resident Owen Creighton, 38, sought care at the Broward Health Coral Springs Emergency Department after experiencing a racing heart, dizziness and lightheadedness. Under the care of Jonathan Nieves, M.D., a cardiologist specializing in electrophysiology with the Broward Health Physician Group, Owen became the first patient to undergo a left-sided ablation at the hospital.
“AFib most commonly affects older adults, but it can occur in younger patients as well,” Dr. Nieves said. “That’s why early screening is so important. Detecting heart rhythm abnormalities early can save lives.”
Owen was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation 10 years earlier and didn’t tolerate blood thinners. When doctors recommended a minimally invasive procedure known as cardiac ablation,
he agreed it was the best treatment option for him.
“Following my procedure, I feel great and have not had any cardiac episodes,” Owen said.
Broward Health Coral Springs’ team of cardiologists, interventional cardiologists and electrophysiologists provides a comprehensive range of cardiac services.
For more information on Broward Health’s cardiac services, visit BrowardHealth.org/Heart.
